Jeff Brown

Review: The Road Less Traveled, 25th Anniversary Edition (2003): Dr. M. Scott Peck



Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

by
Inner Projection

Every human on earth needs to read this book. All Dr. Peck's books. All books like his. Over and over and over and over and over again. People are people. They aren't Gods. They aren't walking on water. We all need improvement. Regardless of who you are, how well adjusted you think you are, you need this book, books, all books like these books (I've said that before, yes? Bears repeating).

First, let's get into the detractors. I've heard some people say Dr. Peck is "odd", "weird", "dangerous." Let's address the "dangerous." A fellow psycharitrist went goo-goo when she read on pg. 175 that Dr. peck said that he would have sex with his patients if it would help them overcome their problems. But he qualifies it by saying, of course I won't because first, in reality it won't help them and, secondly, it would breach patient / doctor protocol. He was basically saying something like, "If hitting my patients over the head with a tire iron would help them, I'd do it." Of course, it won't so he doesn't or wouldn't.

What is sad is that people get so focused on a few flaws or perceived flaws and ignore the other 70, 80, 90% that is life changing or life saving (not just in this book but other books like it that I've seen reviewed, as well). Point being, maybe these people need some additional therapy to get over their miopic focus so they can step back and see the greater picture.

There were also people who found it "boring," "couldn't get into it," "may get into it later," etc. Of course, not everyone is ready, has enough life experience, maturity or understanding / motivation to "get into it," but over time everyone needs to read this most ESSENTIAL of books.

OK, now that that's over . . . let's get into it.

Consider the following, according to Peck, life is difficult. Something we all know. The problem is that few are courageous or perceptive enough to understand the need for help. But once an understanding begins, it is up to the individual to keep his / her understanding going through constant vigilance of his / her character and the changing circumstances surrounding him / her.

True joy in life comes through discovery. Discovering the great truths that lie within and without each human being. As these discoveries are made and applied (BIG word here) life become wonderful. Manageable. More and more and more meaningful. Full. Even ecstasy arrives and enlivens our lives as we discover minor to great truths. As we become courageous and uncover these truths (they lie in waiting for the brave and hard worker) life takes on remarkable brilliance. There is nothing like living a fully conscious life--or at least one of great consciousness.

We as human beings owe it to ourselves to understand these truths. Dr. Peck informs us what we need to do so that we are not only healthier and healthier as we move through life (something very few do after mid-life, according to Peck) but that we pass on this remarkable blessing of understanding, this greater if not more fully informed life to our children or any others.

We owe it to ourselves. To our children. To our country. The world.

Read and heal. Heal and progress. Progress and feel the joy and ecstasy your courage and hard work brings.

Peace and God's love to you.
Jeff is a Career, Life, & Mentor coach & CEO of  www.InnerProjection.com: working with students and parents using the proprietary Success, Design and Preparation system creating a plan to ensure his clients are of the 30% of college grads who don't waste 10 to 15 years or leave 100s of thousands of dollars on the table.

Prior to owning Inner Projection, Jeff worked as a computer programmer and in tech. support, but hated it enough to move from his home in Connecticut to do stand up comedy in Boston where he worked with such comics as Bill Burr, Dan Cook, and Billy Martin and wrote for people like Mz. Michigan who needed material for her ventriloquism act. He then moved to Los Angeles to do more stand up, but found being a coach & college instructor more rewarding. He's married with 3 children.
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